A Robust Curriculum
At AISM, we follow the principles of Visible Learning to teach our learners the tools of success. The cornerstone of our work is based on the NESA curriculum, internationally known for its academic breadth and rigour, while meeting Australian and international standards.
We aim to build numerate and literate youngsters, who are critical and creative thinkers, determined to deal with others respectfully and ethically.
An interesting interview with Year 5’s.
DEVELOP CREATIVITY & CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
We teach students how to use Visible Thinking Routines in their daily work, to encourage the use of different thinking skills to help students think out of the box. Some of the thinking strategies used include Think-Pair-Share, See-Think-Wonder and more.
FOSTER INDEPENDENT LEARNING
The Visible Learning approach teaches students “how to learn”. Students understand the value of having clear goals and expectations, seek feedback from others to improve and know exactly what they need to do to achieve success. Students take control of their own learning.
CULTIVATE COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SKILLS
Our open spaces and break out areas encourage students to work collaboratively, developing the collaborative and social skills critical for their future success.
Our Junior School Structure
From Year 1, each year level has their own highly trained and qualified assistant teacher, which enables rich teaching opportunities under the guidance of our expatriate staff.
Our class sizes allow flexibility and dynamism in our differentiation for learners of all dispositions.
Early Learning Centre (ELC)
3 to 5-year olds
Lower Junior School
6 to 8-year olds
Upper Junior School
9 to 11-year olds
These lessons are supported by an extensive co-curricular program, enabling children to broaden their friendships and skills in music, dance, sport, drama, public speaking and problem solving. They can also develop leadership skills through the Student Representative Council.
Assessment
At AISM, we use assessments to help us focus on the gaps - and how to close them. A range of formative and summative tests are provided, benchmarked against international standards through the International Schools Assessment (ISA), used by 90,000 students and 400 schools worldwide.
- Formative Assessment
Your child will undertake standardised diagnostic assessments to help identify their current level of understanding. - Ongoing Assessment
We close the gaps identified through the formative assessment. The learning and assessment cycle continues through observation, projects, assignments, tests, quizzes and presentations.
- Summative Assessment
Class-based assessments will be conducted throughout the year. External examinations include the International Schools Assessment (Years 3 to 10). Standardised diagnostic assessments are completed twice per year to gauge individual academic growth.
At AISM, our Junior School classrooms are welcoming, light-filled spaces filled with a variety of tools and equipment to help students learn and express themselves.
Each classroom overlooks a shared, open learning space, featuring computers, small libraries and comfortable seating. Called ‘break out spaces’, these areas perform a variety of functions, but are most frequently used for differentiation and cross grade grouping. Each floor has access to an iPad cart which allows pupils to research easily and to connect with each other via Google Docs and other apps.
